October is my favorite month of the year. This month marks the beginning of the end of the first semester of a new school year and the start of the holiday season. But the best thing October brings is the Arizona State Fair and a ton of fried goodness. So here's a guide to the best and greasiest foods for all you fair-goers.
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Turkey leg
OK, so I obviously haven't tried this one myself, but plenty of my fair friends love ripping the meat right off the bone. When I went to the fair this weekend, one member of my party, Justin Manganiello, enjoyed his turkey leg so much that I think it took him back to the Stone Age. When asked what he thought about the meat, he simply grunted and nodded his head.
Vegetables
While vegetables may not be what most fair-goers are looking for out of all the greasy options, be sure not to overlook them. The fried zucchini is always amazing - a perfect blend of fresh vegetable and greasy goodness. But try not to eat this oily dish before going on any of the crazy rides … the vegetable and the grease will make you need a restroom rather quickly.
Another good vegetable to seek out is the fresh corn. While it tends to be a little over-salted, my roommate, Anjali Patel, says it's great anyway. A molecular bioscience major, Anjali says the corn is so good because "it's probably genetically engineered." Yay for a science lesson mixed in with the scary rides and fun games.
Indian fry bread
I never believed bread could be so good, but rolled flat, fried and drenched in honey and powdered sugar, Indian fry bread is one of the best desserts on earth. There are a billion fry bread stands all over the fair, so pick one (or two or three) and go fry bread crazy. You won't regret it.
Fried desserts
If you do nothing else at the State Fair, head to the northernmost end and look for a bright pink stand. Here you'll find the ultimate grease-fest in the form of fried cheesecake, Oreos, Snickers, Twinkies and, believe it or not, Coca-Cola. I'll admit right now that my love for Coca-Cola tempted me to order the fried Coke, even though the woman at the counter described it as "Coke-flavored batter with a surprise inside." Turns out the surprise is syrup. Gross. I love Coca-Cola, but this went too far. However, don't let that deter you from ordering any one of the other fried goodies, as they are sinfully delicious. I particularly recommend the fried Oreos - four cookies covered and fried in a donut-like batter.
So as you head on down to the Arizona State Fair (19th Avenue and McDowell Road), don't go for the rides or the games - go for the food. You can always go to the gym tomorrow.
Reach the reporter at tara.brite@asu.edu
